As Hurricane Melissa looms over Jamaica, the residents of Pagee, a small fishing village in St Mary, are grappling with the challenges of relocating to emergency shelters. The nearest designated shelter is situated several kilometres away in Trinity, a distance that has sparked frustration and concern among the community. Barrington, a local resident, voiced his discontent, stating, ‘We used to have Kirk Church nearby, but now we’re told to go to Trinity Primary School, which is far from here.’ While Barrington has opted to stay with a friend rather than seek refuge in a shelter, he expressed deep worry for vulnerable members of the community, particularly the elderly and those with health issues, who may find the journey arduous or unaffordable. ‘They’ll either have to spend money they don’t have on transportation or risk staying home and facing flooding,’ he remarked, as he hurried to a part of the village with electricity to charge his phone.
#EyeOnMelissa: Pagee residents upset over distance of shelters as hurricane approaches
